Mariah Carey enjoys bikini time with Monroe and lounges in bed with Morroccan before American Idol

Mariah Carey shares bikini time with Monroe and lounges in bed with Moroccan before American Idol duties call

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UPDATED:

22:24 GMT, 13 August 2012

In just a few short weeks Mariah Carey will be busy filming the new season of American Idol, with long hours as a judge keeping her away from home.

But ahead of her new role the singer is enjoying spending every moment she can with her one-year-old twins Monroe and Morrocan.

Mariah shared some pictures of her happy home life on Twitter, showcasing her adorable toddlers.

Lazing by the pool in her bikini and a kaftan, the 42-year-old lounged back, keeping a close eye on Monroe as her daughter floated in a rubber ring.

Like mother, like daughter: Little Monroe, one, obviously shares Mariah Carey's love of relaxing, as the two chill in their pool together in this picture posted on Twitter

And she took to her bed with baby Moroccan, who she called 'little Roc', pretending to sleep as the wide-eyed toddler looked suspiciously at the camera.

Meanwhile Jennifer Lopez, who Mariah will replace on Idol for Season 12, has given her backing.

'I think she'll enjoy it, is what I can say,' said J-Lo. 'I did.'

Weeks of speculation that Hero singer Mariah was going to join the show was confirmed when Fox's entertainment president Kevin Reilly made the announcement at the Television Critic's Association Summer Press Tour.

In bed with 'little 'Roc': Mariah and Moroccan relax together, with the toddler looking suspiciously at the camera

'I'm so excited to be joining Idol,' Carey said, addressing the journalists on speakerphone. 'I wanted to be there today and I wish I could've been there myself to tell you.

'It happened really quickly. I can't wait to get started in a couple months. Everybody have a great TCA and I will see you in January.'

Reilly would not confirm any other rumours, it is not yet known whether Randy Jackson will return as a judge.

'We finished the show at the top again. Phil Phillips went to gold faster than any other 'Idol' in the history of the show. But our ratings were down,' said Reilly.

My rainbow life! The Hero singer posted this snap of herself, tweeting 'Excuse the ensemb but I had to capture the rainbow moment for the lambs!'

'Not being the only game in town now we needed to keep things fresh. We had a dialogue with everyone on the bench.

'We have the biggest names in the business interested in doing the job. It’s going to be a matter of finding the right chemistry and making a deal. Randy has been working with Mariah for a long, long time. Randy was instrumental in doing this deal.'

Fox issued a statement from Mariah confirming her involvement.

'As a singer, songwriter and producer, it’s going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back with American Idol,' Carey said in a statement. 'I'm currently in the studio working on my new album and its first single, Triumphant, which will be out early next month.

'I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon.'

Ready for Idol! Mariah also posted this picture of herself on Twitter celebrating a friend's anniversary; she is set to join the judging panel of American Idol later this year